Qi (also known as Chi) is life energy, which enables your mind and your body to perform all basic functions. Obviously, your mind moves faster than your body! That’s why in order to feel your Qi, you need to slow your mind down and focus or “tune in” to your body, and relax. Tension drains us of energy (Qi) and pleasure in life.
Tai Chi and Qigong restore health and improve Qi circulation. Through the practice and principles of Tai Chi and Qigong, we learn relaxation, awareness, and sensitivity which, hopefully, carries into and shows up in our everyday lives. The Tai Chi principles teach us how to self-regulate and release tension. The principles apply to everything we do as we breathe, move, and perform the activities of daily living.
Through the principles, you learn to focus on your Dantian, whether you are playing sports, in an accident,facing an opponent or adversity, experiencing emotional upheavals, stress, and more. Tai Chi’s mind-body-spirit integration will eventually fit seamlessly into your everyday life making it more harmonious and balanced. With consistent practice, the principles become a way of life - not just during Tai Chi (or Qigong) practice.
When Ken Cohen interviewed Wu Tu-Nan (105 year old Tai Chi Master) and asked if Tai Chi was the reason for his health and longevity, the Master replied “Not directly. Tai chi chuan helps to cultivate a relaxed spirit. Having a relaxed spirit is the secret of longevity.” Relaxation encompasses rootedness and tranquility. Rootedness helps us deal with the every changing world we live in. Tranquility helps us to rid our bodies of harmful stress and tension.
We also root with empty-stepping - a very important part of moving in Tai Chi. Empty-stepping also helps us deal with the unexpected changes in daily life. We learn a to change course when necessary without a meltdown. It’s all about using the mind with intention. Without force (pushing through), we allow our minds to become as flexible as our bodies.
Now let’s talk a little about communication using the Tai Chi principles. Often conflict can cause us to meet aggression with aggression or submission. Neither works well. Disarming the conflict allows us to remain in a state of peace. It is important to always be mentally prepared and anticipate possible scenarios no matter what situation you may encounter. This will enable you to remain balanced and not at a disadvantage.
Like in Tai Chi fighting, let your opponent tire by expending all their energy. It puts them at a disadvantage. Don’t add fuel to the fire nor expend all your energy by meeting aggression with aggression. By keeping balanced and calm, you also have the advantage of knowing where your opponent’s mind is at. Bottom line: whether in business or life in general, if you have the right mindset, listen, and redirect any negative energy, you can disarm the majority of opponents in a conflict free manner.
The more we practice Tai Chi and/or Qigong, the more we experience the principles at a deeper level. When this happens, the seam between practice and real life disappears!
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